The University of Cyberjaya, in collaboration with SMR HR Group and the Malaysian Indian Skills Initiative (Misi) under the Ministry of Human Resources, has successfully wrapped up its Acting For Film Programme on March 28.
The five-day workshop – held from March 24 to March 28 – was developed to bridge the gap between aspiring actors and the film industry, providing an opportunity for creative Malaysians to build their skills in the performing arts.
The fully funded programme also allowed its 37 participants to achieve an immersive experience in acting techniques.
The closing ceremony culminated in a lively showcase, where five groups of students took the stage to present short sketches and improvisational acts, highlighting the progress attained throughout the programme.
University of Cyberjaya Faculty of Creative Art and Design deputy dean Mohd Faiz Alias, emphasised the importance of inclusivity in such training opportunities.
“This programme enables us to reach a wider population and provide access to underserved communities. Unlike full-time university programmes, which cater to a specific group, this short course opens doors for more people to explore and gain skills in the acting and creative industry,” he said when met after the ceremony.
For SMR HR Group principal consultant Datuk CM Vignaesvaran, the programme was more than just a chance to learn – it was an awakening of artistic ambition.
“Having a training programme like this is an ‘aha moment’ for the participants. We want to spark that feeling deep inside and encourage them to bring it out further,” he said.
He stressed the need for more structured acting training in Malaysia, stating that “there’s a vacuum of acting training opportunities, so we’re creating a platform that will in turn churn out great talents for the country”.
A transformative experience
The programme also featured several industry experts as guest speakers, one of them being renowned Indian star, Gautami.
The actress said she saw the noticeable transformation in the participants’ confidence and skills over the five days.
“It has been a very impactful five days, and the proof lies in what the students have presented today compared to when they first started earlier this week," Gautami said.
For the participants, the programme served as a stepping stone into the acting industry.
Subas Magas, 37, with a background in theatre, found this as an essential opportunity to refine her skills.
“Film has always been my end goal. When I saw this programme, I knew I had to enrol. I want to be prepared and well-equipped when the time comes,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Danniel Iskandar, 27, finds the experience enlightening. The lessons allowed him to understand the nuances between stage and film acting.
“Since I come from a theatre background, this course allowed me to distinguish between skills that are transferable from stage to screen and which are not," Danniel said.
He also values the friendships he forged: “To find people that you get along with and train together was quite special.”
The Acting For Film Programme has no doubt left its mark, with an impact on participants and the industry.
With that in mind, Vignaesvaran is eager to introduce more short courses like this in the future. “We hope that programmes like this will plant the seed and create a new generation of artists who can perform well in the international markets.”
